Unmanned ground vehicles: KNDS brings the Nerva robots to the German market

The range of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and other unmanned systems from KNDS Deutschland continues to grow: the tactical robots Nerva-LG and Nerva-XX are joining the portfolio and will in future also be sold in Germany. The products have long been available in France and internationally. The company is currently presenting its expanded robotics range at Xponential Europe in Düsseldorf.

In robotics, KNDS thus covers a spectrum that starts with small reconnaissance robots (Nerva), includes wheeled platforms (Ultro and Centurio) and extends to tracked systems such as Themis (Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System). Central to this is that all systems can be operated and controlled from the Boxer UxV Command & Control System. The aim of this approach is end-to-end interoperability between different UGV platforms.

Nerva-LG as a compact “first responder”

Reconnaissance and first intervention are the main scenarios KNDS is targeting with the Nerva-LG. The robot weighs around five kilograms and is ready for use in less than a minute. It can be deployed both by dismounted forces and from vehicles.

The system is designed for multi-mission operations ranging from general reconnaissance to exploring potentially hazardous areas, for example in the case of IED or CBRN threats. Its modular design allows the Nerva-LG to be reconfigured in the field within seconds – for example by swapping wheels, tracks, batteries or payloads.

The radio range is up to 500 metres. Added to this are high robustness and the ability to operate in extreme climate and terrain conditions, whether in deserts or snow-covered regions. This is intended to make the system flexibly suited to a wide range of mission scenarios. Georeferenced video recording with automatic pre-recording is also among its functions.

Ultro: heavy platform for logistics and combat

Another building block is Ultro, a wheeled platform of around 800 kilograms. It is designed for tactical support tasks that include logistics and reconnaissance as well as direct combat missions.

Various mission kits can be fitted to the all-electric platform. It is built for difficult terrain such as mud, sand, rocky ground or dense vegetation.

Themis with tracked drive and hybrid concept

Themis owes its strong market presence in Germany to the partnership between KNDS and the Estonian company Milrem Robotics. The Themis UGV runs on tracks, uses a series-hybrid drive concept and stands out for its high modularity.

The vehicle can be teleoperated by radio. It has a so-called Mifik autonomy kit and can follow soldiers in follow-me mode.

As system integrator, KNDS has developed its own payload programme for the platform, in which various mission modules are integrated on the vehicle. The latest of these is a Casevac module, which is being presented to the public during the trade fair in Düsseldorf. It allows the evacuation and recovery of two soldiers and offers light protection against small arms fire and fragments. KNDS is already working on further modules.

Networked unmanned ground vehicles instead of individual systems

With the integrated Nerva systems, KNDS reaffirms its ambition to offer a fully networked UGV ecosystem. The decisive factor is not so much the individual system as the interaction of different platforms that jointly provide reconnaissance, effects and support in a digital battlespace.

The Boxer UxV CS module mentioned above shows what this looks like: it offers five equivalent control stations to which various unmanned systems can be connected, regardless of platform.

The clear priority is therefore scalable, interoperable solutions that fit flexibly into existing structures. As unmanned systems become increasingly important, this approach is likely to gain further significance.